Religion reporter and author Becky Garrison will be in town on Thur. Jan. 23 for a "meet and greet" with anyone that would like to talk to her about her religious writings. All event details can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/l8lycwd .

According to religious polls, the number of those that self-identify as "none of the above" is rising. Among the younger generation, the rise is even sharper. What future is there for these "nones" in regard to community? Will they join godless congregations, such as the new movement called "Sunday Assembly?" Or will they simply see no need at all to gather as a community based on belief or non-belief?

In addition, what are some community issues that help people to decide their views on religion? We have atheists going to church, Christians trying out atheism for a year, atheists speaking in churches on diversity panels, etc. What effects are these having on religious communities?

Becky has been reporting on these types of religious issues, as well as on the topic of "The New Atheism." She will provide about a 10 minute commentary on these topics and then we will have an open discussion.

Becky's writing credits include work for The Washington Post's On Faith column, The Guardian, Believe Out Loud, Killing the Buddha, American Atheist Magazine, Perceptive Travel, The Revealer, Free Inquiry, Religion & Politics, Religion Dispatches, and the now defunct Wittenburg Door.

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Truman Ardent Smith has been working in the computer industry since 1984, and currently works in a microprocessor design group. In 2007 he earned a Masters in Ministry seminary degree. Truman left the evangelical Christian faith and became an atheist in 2009. When he was a born-again Christian, he was the founder and President of a 501c3 evangelism ministry, preaching the gospel on Portland's local community access TV and globally on the internet.Truman is now an activist for the Secular Humanism movement, and participates in frequent local discussions and debates. Many of his debates and presentations can be freely seen at his YouTube channel.
To find out more about upcoming Portland/Vancouver area debates and events, see the meetup webpages here and here.